Minneapolis Police warn of technology-driven car thefts after 66 vehicles reported stolen since March 20

A four-day spike and a shifting theft playbook

Minneapolis police are warning residents about an emerging pattern in vehicle thefts that relies less on forced entry and more on electronic methods that can defeat modern anti-theft features. The department said 66 vehicles were reported stolen in Minneapolis since March 20, a burst of thefts that investigators are treating as part of a broader trend affecting push-button start and keyless-entry vehicles.

The warning reflects a change in how many thefts are carried out. Traditional signs of a break-in may be absent or limited, complicating early detection for owners and sometimes delaying reporting. Police have emphasized that theft crews can now leverage tools designed for legitimate automotive service and locksmith work, repurposing them to gain access and enable a vehicle to start without the original key.

How “new tech” thefts work in practice

Law enforcement agencies in multiple U.S. cities have described the same core methods now being flagged in Minneapolis: devices that can program or clone key fobs, and techniques that exploit vulnerabilities in keyless entry systems. In some cases, thieves can obtain the information needed to create a working key by accessing a vehicle’s onboard diagnostic interface after entering the cabin. In other cases, thieves use relay-style tactics to capture or amplify signals associated with proximity keys.

Investigators note that these approaches are attractive to offenders because they can reduce noise, time on scene, and the visible damage that often draws attention. That lower profile can also increase the odds that a stolen vehicle is moved quickly, stored, or stripped before it is located.

What police are asking drivers to do now

Police are urging vehicle owners to combine everyday habits with physical anti-theft measures, particularly for vehicles with keyless entry and push-to-start ignitions. Recommended steps include keeping keys and fobs secured, not leaving vehicles running unattended, and adding visible deterrents that make a quick theft more difficult.

• Use a steering-wheel lock or other mechanical immobilizer.
• Store key fobs away from doors and windows; consider signal-blocking storage for proximity keys.
• Remove valuables, lock doors, and verify the vehicle is secured even when parked at home.
• Report suspected theft attempts immediately and avoid confronting suspects.

Enforcement and prevention efforts beyond the city

Vehicle theft prevention in Minnesota also involves statewide resources aimed at reducing thefts through public awareness, investigative support, and technology-focused strategies. Officials note that the tactics used in auto theft continue to evolve, requiring a mix of prevention and investigative tools to improve recoveries and identify repeat offenders.

Residents who believe their vehicle has been targeted are encouraged to document suspicious activity, secure any remaining keys, and notify authorities as soon as possible.

The Minneapolis Police Department has not publicly released a breakdown of which makes and models were taken in the March 20–24 period, or how many of the 66 thefts are believed to involve electronic key programming or relay-style methods. Police have indicated the advisory is intended to help residents reduce risk while investigators track patterns and coordinate with regional partners.